inspire-indiana Chapter 1187 Paper
Chapter 1187 Paper
"Thesis" can also be called "debate article," meaning "argumentative essay."
The act of writing papers is not uncommon among students. Whenever there is a disagreement on academic viewpoints, students can engage in "paper writing" to argue and determine who is right and who is wrong.
What Huai Shaoyong proposed today is the most common method for students to write papers—the two students read their answers aloud in public, revealing their thoughts and plans to the public, allowing everyone present to become a judge, and determining the winner based on public opinion and the truth of the matter.
Huai Shaoyong's ability to rank second shows he's no fool.
His gaze lingered on the copied answer sheet for a long time before finally settling on the policy essay—his essay, which concealed strategies within classical texts, was both relevant to people's livelihoods and demonstrated the integrity of a scholar, making it an ideal choice for academic papers.
After a moment's thought, he looked at the crowd below the stage and said loudly, "This year's re-examination has a policy essay question, which is: 'After the popularization of high-yield rice, how can we prevent low grain prices from harming farmers and stabilize the foundation of agriculture and sericulture?' I think this is a very good question, so I will use it as my essay."
After saying that, he turned to Pei Zhaoqi and asked, "What does Young Master Pei think?"
Pei Zhaoqi paused for a moment to reflect on his policy essay, then nodded in agreement.
To be fair, Huai Shaoyong's question really hit the nail on the head.
"Young Master Huai, please speak first."
Pei Zhaoqi made a "please" gesture and stepped aside.
Huai Shaoyong didn't stand on ceremony. Holding the answer sheet in one hand and the other behind his back, he began to explain his point of view.
"The harm caused by low grain prices to farmers is not due to an abundance of granaries, but rather..."
Although no one present except those from Luming Academy hoped for Huai Shaoyong's victory, everyone still gave him face and listened quietly to him explain his views.
That's how the people of Liuyang Prefecture are; they're the most considerate of the bigger picture!
In his policy essay, Huai Shaoyong quotes a classical text almost every other sentence.
The test takers were alright, as they could understand the gist of it, but it was quite difficult for ordinary people who couldn't read many characters.
The phrases "making things easier by increasing profits" and "production and sales are out of balance, and the collection and distribution are excessive" left the common people confused and exclaiming that they were "getting a bit dizzy."
But Huai Shaoyong didn't take the people's reaction seriously at all.
His articles were never written for these poor people.
Those who understand will understand, and those who don't need no further explanation.
Amidst the yawns of the people, Huai Shaoyong's explanation came to an end: "...This concludes my essay for the re-examination. I welcome your comments."
He said, "Please give your comments," but his eyes were fixed on Shen Zheng, as if he were provoking her or demanding an explanation from her.
Shen Zheng chuckled, not looking at him, but said to Pei Zhaoqi, "Go."
Pei Zhaoqi nodded and strode towards the center of the award stage, saying as he walked, "Young Master Huai, since it is a paper by both of us, let me finish my presentation before asking the adults and everyone present to comment."
The candidates below the stage nodded in agreement, but couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
"It must be said that Huai Shaoyong's article is indeed quite accomplished..."
"Indeed... I knew he had a much more solid foundation in theory than us after he had just begun reading. No wonder he was taught at the Grand Academy..."
"Do you think Pei's essay can surpass his? I feel that Huai Shaoyong's essay is good enough to be used for the autumn imperial examination..."
Upon hearing this, the surrounding people immediately became tense and hurriedly asked, "Scholar, scholar, do you mean... Huai Shaoyong's essay is so good that it could even be used to take the imperial examination?"
Although the candidates were reluctant to admit it, they had no choice but to agree based on the facts.
"...They are probably at the level to pass the autumn imperial examinations, which is much higher than our level."
"That's terrible!" The people exclaimed, slapping their thighs in dismay. "If Chief Scholar Pei loses, won't the government be utterly humiliated?"
"No, no, no, Chief Scholar Pei definitely won't lose..."
Every word of the discussion reached the ears of everyone at Luming Academy.
Hou Yirui's tense back gradually relaxed, and he turned to the person beside him and said, "Shao Yong's article is the best he has written in recent years. I don't think he will lose."
The old man with the black beard immediately responded, "The headmaster is right. We have watched Shao Yong grow up, and we all have confidence in him. Such a good article should not be ranked second."
"Alright, let's cut to the chase for now." Hou Yirui stroked his beard and smiled as he looked at the stage: "And let's also listen to that scholar surnamed Pei's essay."
"Then I'll listen to the headmaster's suggestion, and also listen to what he says." The old man with the black beard's eyes were full of confidence in his victory.
Under the gaze of thousands of eyes, Pei Zhaoqi slowly walked to the center of the stage.
He had no answer sheet in his hand, nor did he deliberately adopt a scholarly air. He simply glanced at the crowd of people below the stage and said in a plain tone, "Young Master Huai's erudition and knowledge, as evidenced by his extensive use of classical texts, are truly admirable."
The audience was taken aback upon hearing this.
What do you mean?
Has the Pei case leader surrendered without a fight?!
Everyone held their breath, their expressions stiff as they waited for Pei Zhaoqi's next words.
“But in my opinion, the problem of low grain prices harming farmers should not be addressed by citing classical texts, but rather by focusing on ‘how the people can benefit and feel at ease.’” Pei Zhaoqi suddenly changed his tune.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
But Pei Zhaoqi's attack on Huai Shaoyong had only just begun: "I have no intention of disrespecting the classics, but His Majesty once said—'Adapting to local conditions is the foundation of governing a country and the essence of learning. The classics record the experiences of our predecessors, not the dogmas of today; we should learn the spirit of the wisdom of the sages, not imitate their form.'"
Upon hearing this, everyone at Luming Academy turned pale.
That Pei Zhaoqi! He actually used the current emperor to confront the sages of the past!
Given this, how could they dare to voice any doubts?
"So cunning and deceitful!" A hint of disgust flashed in the old man's eyes. "Like a rat's child, he knows how to dig a hole! Shen Zheng is good at using petty benefits to win people's hearts, and this Pei student is following suit. He's a sycophant!"
"Keep your voice down!" Hou Yirui scolded in a low voice, "How dare you question the Emperor's words?"
The old man with the black beard's face darkened, and his cheeks puffed out again and again.
He wasn't questioning the sacred words; he just couldn't stand the way that Pei student behaved!
Filled with resentment, he looked at the stage again.
Pei Zhaoqi continued, "Young Master Huai's policy proposal is lofty and grand, but I believe it is not applicable to my Liuyang Prefecture."
Huai Shaoyong did not expect that when Pei Zhaoqi stood in the center of the platform, he would not read his own policy essay, but instead turn around and comment on it.
As we all know, being criticized in public is not a pleasant experience.
Huai Shaoyong clenched his fist secretly and argued, "Young Master Pei, the test question only asked—'How to prevent low grain prices from harming farmers and stabilize the foundation of agriculture and sericulture,' did it mention Liuyang Prefecture even once?"